Volume 4, Issue 5
November 12, 2019
2019 MIC3 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
HELD IN
COLORADO SPRINGS
On October 23-24, the Commission held its 2019 Annual Business Meeting (ABM) in Colorado Springs, CO hosted by Colorado Commissioner Keith Owen. As the Superintendent of Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 (FFCS8), we appreciate Dr. Owen's hard work, dedication and support he provided to ensure the meeting was a success.
At the meeting, the Commission approved the 2021 Budget and a by-laws change making the Leadership Nomination Committee a permanent committee. Facilitated by Rhode Island Commissioner, Rosemarie Kraeger, the FFCS8 highlighted the socio-emotional supports for military students. Panelists included: Liza Zimprich, Director of Special Education for FFCS8; Anne Marsh, School Behavioral Health Provider; Barb Becker, Director of Mental Health First Colorado; and Parent/Student Team from FFCS8.

Standing committees also discussed implementation of the new 2020-22 Strategic Plan which is focused on successful education transitions of military connected students. Consultant Brain Riggs of The Dialogue Shop discussed the need for goals to be building blocks for the future and emphasized the opportunities to expand the Commission's connectivity to expand awareness and ensure members are equipped with the tolls and resources to support successful implementation in states.

For additional information on the meeting, please click the button below.
COMMISSION MEMBERS HONORED
Top left: Ms. Facon with Chair Kaminar. Bottom left Mr. Buehn with Chair Kaminar and Executive Director Imai. Right Ms. Serrano and Chair Kaminar.
At the ABM, several awards were presented during the evening reception hosted by the Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA) at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Commission Chair Don Kaminar presented Ms. Kathy Facon with a special award for her service on the Commission as an ex-officio member. Florida Commissioner Bob Buehn received the Norman Arflack Leadership Award for his six years of service as the Treasurer of the Commission.

A highlight of the event was the recognition of former Colorado Commissioner Cheryl Serrano who was presented with a special proclamation renaming the MIC3 Past Chair Leadership Award in her name for her tireless work and support of the Compact as the first Chairman of the Commission. Serrano stepped down from her commissioner seat in December 2018 and is enjoying her retirement with her family. Congratulations to all of this year's honorees!
NEW YORK STATE INTERSTATE COUNCIL PRESENTS AT THE NYSCOSS
Submitted by Dr. Debra Jackson, Compact Commissioner, New York State

New York has 732 school districts, rural, urban, large and small. Military impacted areas include Fort Drum and West Point, however there are military impacted students in districts throughout the state. While New York was the last state to adopt the Interstate Compact, placing it into statute in August 2014, it continues to make great strides in alleviating issues surrounding educational transitions for military dependents. The New York State Interstate Compact Council members are continually seeking to increase awareness of the Compact throughout the state. Often district leaders learn about the Compact when a military family first registers, thus being proactive is key to helping with military-connected student transitions. New York has two SLO’s statewide, and 732 Districts, the NYS Council members are extremely active in spreading the mission and vision of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commissioner (MIC3). 

At a recent meeting New York State council members discussed new ways to increase the awareness and two members, Dr. Frank Sheboy and Mr. Stephen Todd, mentioned presenting at the Superintendents’ Fall Leadership Summit. The Fall Summit is an annual meeting by the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS). The meeting provides "sessions by national experts in the fields of leadership, education, and related areas; opportunities for members to share best practices with colleagues through smaller sessions; discussions with the Commissioner of Education about New York State issues and initiatives; and networking for support and collegiality among members through social interaction, group discussions, meetings and workshops.” 

The proposal written by Dr. Sheboy and Mr. Todd was accepted as a “Sunrise Breakfast Session” and was featured in the conference brochure. The NYSCOSS waived the conference registration fee for the Interstate Council presenters, which is typically required of presenters. MIC3 provided handouts and materials to share. NYSED provided copies of the New York State Q&A (which was developed by the NYS Council members) and the updated Regent’s regulations to guide the superintendents about the requirements. The Interstate Council members greatly appreciated the support of NYSCOSS, MIC3, and NYSED, all who made this possible.

Ms. Marybeth Casey, Director Office of Curriculum Services at NYSED and I jointly presented the session. Participants were able to enjoy breakfast, freely ask questions, and discuss the regulations with their colleagues. Ms. Casey shared her new initiative, email blasts to guidance counselors, principals, and district leaders, which will include information on the Compact guidelines as reminders to school personnel. This is yet another communication effort by the NYS Compact council members. 

The Fall Summit meeting is key for all New York State superintendents, so materials and links to MIC3 and NYSED were provided for those who were unable to attend the session and NYCOSS offered to include an article on the Interstate Compact in their upcoming newsletter. Getting the word out is part of the responsibility of all states to ensure our families have seamless transitions. 

The New York State Council of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children continues to discuss ways to be proactive in spreading the mission and vision of MIC3. Thank you to Ms. Casey, Dr. Sheboy and Mr. Todd for all the great effort in presenting at NYSCOSS.


A RMY LOOKING AT LONGER TOUR OPTIONS
From the Association of Defense Communities
Army Chief Gen. James McConville said Wednesday he wants longer tour options for Army families, saying the traditional system requiring new duty station moves every three years is antiquated,  Stripes.com reported .
“I don’t see why people can’t stay four, five, six, seven, eight, nine years,” McConville said during a town hall at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., according to the report.

The military has periodically struggled with permanent change-of-station (PCS) move seasons that peak during summer break, and McConville said the Army is reviewing moves and suggested longer tours could be an option, the report said.

 Army photo by Sgt. Ryan Jenkins
MIC3 RESOURCE VIDEOS
The MIC3 website includes an array of resources to promote the compact. Please check out these three videos accessed via the following links: PSA #1 ; PSA #2 ; MOTMC